There are several legal liabilities that are associated with my business plan that need to be cleared prior to the launch of Buckley Stone’s Totally Awesome Network! to avoid any legal confusion. The network I intend to launch is a 24/7 network that consists of professional wrestling, sports, action packed films, new programming including sketch comedy, highlight analysis and raw material featuring celebrities, athletes, models and WWE superstars. It is extremely important for the network to clear any legal and/or copyright controversies before the initial launch.

An example of this occurred with WWE’s recent network launch. A major concern, which may end in legal controversies, is the undetermined status of WWE superstar compensation. It is still unclear as to how wrestlers will be paid for appearances in events formerly called Pay-Per-Views. This includes compensation for top names and mid carders for PPV caliber events that are now part of the network price package. This complication could have been avoided and would have been far easier to negotiate if it had been worked out prior to the actual launch.

In the marketing and promotion of a new network, the company will need to utilize social media and make sure that it isn’t broadcasting content that is owned or copyrighted under intellectual property. In a recent article titled Copyright Issues for Social Media, it is stated that when reposting or repining news by giving credit to the original owner of material will not protect another user from copyright infringement. Anything that the organization posts or makes available as its product is considered “User Content.” This means, the publisher of preexisting content is legally responsible for the user content that is posted through the particular social media platform.

The main issue of producing and airing existing content on a new network is the potential of legal controversies regarding copyright infringement. This means that reproducing someone else’s content without permission may be considered infringement. Buckley Stone’s Totally Awesome Network! Plans to use previously produced work from its partners and associates, but clearly understands that through hypertext links, framing and internet patents, partners of the network need to give written permission for the network to display such information through the website. The network knows and understands that all of its affiliates are protected under copyright, ownership and Internet law and the network will not reproduce any existing content without clearance from its potential associate organization.

WWE Research

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYFvbOEdrrM

Sports Management and Operations Reflection Post

In this week’s blog post I will reflect on the information that I have acquired over the past month of my Sports Management and Operations course. The course provided material that I was curious about and had not had the chance to research in depth over the course of my program to this point. Through course materials and industry professionals, I have gained valuable information about fan loyalty programs, facility management, the impact of social media and some pointers on how to land a career in sports.

The two most important topics that I will take away from the class are social media’s influence in sports through fan engagement and how to obtain employment with a sports organization. In terms of social media, I found it interesting how sports clubs are using social media outlets to increase fan loyalty. By humanizing and personalizing athletes and teams, social media has given fans access to communicate with their idols on a more personal level. Furthermore, social media has made the behind the scenes world of trades, travel and day to day events more available to fans who keep up to date through tweets, posts and YouTube video clips. The idea of making the fan a co-creator for their favorite franchise appears to be the biggest game changer. Teams requesting for fans to submit pictures, ideas and comments to official team websites gives the spectator a true sense of involvement in the organization’s current status, future and community.

I have developed a new understanding of how to begin to search for a career in the sports industry. This course has given me insight on what I need to look for and what I have to be willing to do to achieve my objective. Mark Tudi, Executive Search Consultant for Sport Search states there are a few principles that one must follow to differentiate themselves from their competition. Being new to the business the individual must be open to starting in a sector that might not be very glamorous. This also means that the individual should be willing to work at a low compensation level at first. The candidate also needs to know what they do best, not where they see themselves, but what they can actually bring to an organization in terms of their particular skill set. Mr. Tudi concluded, “we get hired for what we know, we get fired for who we are”. The bottom line is good people go to the top!

I have gained valuable tools throughout the course and plan to use them in preparation for a career in the sports industry. I need to be open, available and ready for any opportunity that comes across my plate. I understand that more opportunities may arise for myself if I can perform and complete more responsibilities efficiently on a minor league level. This course gave me a better understanding of where I could possibly fit in an organization and what qualities will help me sell myself more effectively. I understand the sacrifices that come with a career in sports and feel that I am now well equipped after gaining the valuable information of Sports Management and Operations.